For 2007, the Honda Accord sedan receives several changes. There is a new trim level, the EX-L 6MT, which adds a six-speed manual transmission (previously available only on the coupe) and other features to the EX-L. The SE receives a six-CD changer with wheel-mounted controls, driver’s seat power height adjuster, adjustable driver’s lumbar support and illuminated lock and window buttons as standard equipment; while the EX-L receives a standard navigation system with bilingual voice control.
On the Accord coupe, a new trim level, SE, replaces the LX-G trim that was the base level in 2006.
The Accord comes in two-door coupe or four-door sedan, with the Hybrid available in four doors only. Available engines are a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6; the Hybrid uses the V6, mated with Integrated Motor Assist, similar to the system used on the Civic Hybrid.
The sedan starts as the DX-G, which includes 2.4-litre engine, a five-speed manual transmission (which can be optioned to a five-speed automatic), 16-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags, heated power mirrors, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, tilt and telescopic wheel, folding rear seat, manual driver’s height adjuster, and CD stereo with six speakers.
The SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power sunroof, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-off headlamps, map lights, locking trunk pass-through, power driver’s seat height adjuster, leather-wrapped wheel, and six-CD stereo with wheel-mounted controls.
The EX-L adds dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system, eight-way power driver’s seat, and heated leather seats.
The SE V6 and EX-L V6 models share the SE and EX-L trim features, but add the 3.0-litre V6 with five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and stability and traction control. The EX-L V6 MT uses the six-speed manual and adds a premium six-CD audio system.
Features on the Hybrid sedan are similar to the EX-L model, but include a compact five-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, lightweight 16-inch alloy wheels, mirrors with integrated turn signals, and rear deck lid spoiler.
The Accord coupe is available as the four-cylinder SE or EX-L, or as the V6-powered EX-V6 or EX-V6 MT, with trim items similar to the sedan counterparts.
Comfortable and well-built, the Accord features good performance and handling, although its firm ride isn’t to everyone’s liking. The addition of a six-speed manual to the sedan line-up is a welcome addition, giving drivers the opportunity to take control while still enjoying the convenience and practicality of the four-door configuration. The Hybrid is environmentally-friendly but many buyers find it takes far too long for the purchase price to catch up to the fuel savings, so plan carefully before you make your decision.
